'World's oldest profession' suffers downturn in U.K.; food, mortgage more important than sex

British prostitutes blame influx of unemployed into their ranks, creating high competition

The "world's oldest profession," i.e. prostitution, is apparently under the
same whims of everyday, workaday business. Prostitutes in the United
Kingdom complain that an influx of unemployed along with migrant workers
have led to high competition, forcing many of them to go out of
business.

Many so-called "massage parlors" and private flats in the United Kingdom have begun to heavily reduce their prices - or go out of business altogether.

Highlights

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Britain's struggling economy has definitely made a dent in discretionary dollars, as the prostitute's "johns" see the money set aside for randy recreation going to such things as rent, food and transportation.

The prostitutes also say that with the influx of graduates and a lack of jobs, many former students are turning to prostitution in order to make a living. And like other workers across Britain, the sex workers say that immigrants are providing tough competition.

Many so-called "massage parlors" and private flats have begun to heavily reduce their prices - or go out of business altogether.

With the British economy suffering after years of sluggish growth, consumer spending at the end of last year was almost four percent lower than in 2007.

Call girl "Vivienne," who works in the south of England as a part time independent escort, says that paying for sex is a luxury many can now not afford. "Food is more important; the mortgage is more important; petrol is more important."

"Debbie," who runs a private flat in western England, said she now does two or three "jobs" a day compared to almost nine a year ago. The reduction in demand has forced her to reduce prices to keep her business afloat. "If I hadn't, I wouldn't still be open."

The author of books on massage parlors, who also runs a review Web site, George McCoy has remarked on the recent downturn. He says his visitor numbers on his Web site are down by a third.

The English Collective of Prostitutes has also admitted that more people are entering prostitution. In response, many sex workers in Westminster have halved their prices because of the strong competition.

Across many other parts of the U.K., prostitutes also say they are seeing lots of new people in their ranks, including students and those recently laid off.

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions for March 2015
Universal: Scientists: That those involved in scientific research may serve the well-being of the whole human person.
Evangelization: Contribution of women: That the unique contribution of women to the life of the Church may be recognized always.

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